Taiwan President Calls for Mass Protest Against China's Anti-Secession Law

Taiwan's president is calling for one million of his fellow citizens to take to the streets to protest China's new anti-secession law.

Chen Shui-bian's criticism came Wednesday in his first public comments since China's parliament approved a bill authorizing military force if Taipei formally declares its independence. He says the law will only heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and that only peaceful dialogue will resolve the situation.

Mr. Chen says the mass protest planned for March 26 will show the world that only Taiwan can decide its future.

The president is also calling on the European Union to reconsider its plan to lift its 15-year-old arms embargo against Beijing.